Dubai, Sep 28 (UNI) Kuldeep Yadav ran through Pakistan’s lower order as India bowled the visitors out for 146 in 19.1 overs in the Asia Cup 2025 final at Dubai International Stadium.
The left-arm spinner claimed four crucial wickets, turning the game firmly in India’s favour, while Axar Patel and Varun Chakaravarthy supported with two wickets each and Jasprit Bumrah added key breakthroughs at the death.
Sahibzada Farhan top-scored with a fluent 57 off 38 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes to give Pakistan a flying start. Fakhar Zaman added 46 before falling to Varun Chakaravarthy, while Saim Ayub contributed 14. Despite the strong start, Pakistan’s innings collapsed dramatically in the last overs. From 113/1 in 12.4 overs, the team lost nine wickets for just 33 runs.
Kuldeep’s spell included the dismissals of Fakhar Zaman (46), Salman Agha (8), Faheem Ashraf (0), and Shaheen Afridi (0), showcasing his control and variations. Axar Patel took two wickets, including that of Mohammad Haris (0), while Jasprit Bumrah finished the innings with two key wickets, including Haris Rauf (6) and Mohammad Nawaz (6), sealing the all-out with five balls to spare.
Farhan’s innings featured commanding shots against India’s top bowlers, including pulls and lofted drives over long-off, while Fakhar Zaman also cleared the ropes before edging to Kuldeep.
Bowling highlights: Kuldeep Yadav 4/47, Axar Patel 2/26, Varun Chakaravarthy 2/30, Jasprit Bumrah 2/25, with Shivam Dube and Tilak Varma contributing economical spells. Extras accounted for seven runs, including four wides.
Having won the toss and elected to bowl first, India capitalised on early breakthroughs and a sensational late-order collapse to keep Pakistan below 150. India now need 147 runs to lift the Asia Cup 2025 trophy.
